It’s an exciting week for pop culture as San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is ready to welcome the masses. While there is so much to do and see inside the convention center, there are also a variety of offerings around the convention center that you can enjoy even if you don’t have a badge!

WHAT ARE ACTIVATIONS?

Activations around San Diego Comic-Con are pop-ups where you can interact with elements from past/current/and upcoming TV shows and movies. Depending on the property they can offer a variety of activities. Some are as simple as food trucks that offer special treats. Others have photo opportunities, haunted mazes, themed food and drinks, performances, scavenger hunts, and much more. Depending on the experience, these activations usually include some sort of special merch to commemorate your visit.

Again the good news for those without a badge, is that most of these activations don’t require a Comic-Con badge. Although some may require reservations made through however the promoter decides. For the most part these activations can be enjoyed by simply waiting in line although some lines could take a long time to get through. The best tip I can offer is to get to your preferred activation as early as possible and bring a friend! Activations are better with a friend or group as many offer fun photo ops or challenges that may be easier in a group.

Below is a list of the activations that are being offered at this year’s edition of San Diego Comic-Con along with a link offering more details. Oh one last thing, HAVE FUN!

ACTIVATIONS FOR SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2025

HBO MAX’S “PEACEFEST” ACTIVATION

HBO Max invites fans to Peacefest, a chaotic 1980s glam rock-inspired activation. Hosted at Nova SD Club in downtown San Diego. Designed to capture the unhinged energy of Peacemaker. The event will feature live music, themed games, exclusive merch, and a chance to explore the Quantum Unfolding Chamber. Highlights include Harcourt’s KO Corner Bar, Economos’ Mortal Kombat station, and Vigilante’s Hero S*** Merch Shop featuring items from DC Shop, McFarlane Toys, Sideshow, and more.

You can register at peacefest2025.com to secure your spot.

Happening Thursday – Saturday At Nova SD Club 454 Sixth Ave., San Diego

PEACOCK’S TWISTED METAL BUMPER BATTLE ACTIVATION

The Twisted Metal Bumper Battle plunges fans into a post-apocalyptic battleground inspired by the show’s deadly demolition derby. Participants will select from reimagined versions of the show’s most iconic vehicles that have been converted into real bumper cars. Then, they will step into their very own twisted tournament, hosted in spirit by the show’s enigmatic villain, Calypso. Beyond the high-impact ride, guests can expect Instagram-worthy photo ops, a display of actual tournament vehicles from the show, surprise guest appearances, and a chaotic celebration of the series’ wild energy.

Thursday, July 24 to Saturday, July 26 at The Lot @ 1st & J in downtown San Diego.

CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD MAZE

Participants will be challenged to escape the maze by navigating their way to a locked tunnel. The catch? You must locate hidden keys before coming face-to-face with Frendo’s rage. Time is ticking, and your survival depends on your nerve, speed, and ability to outsmart a killer clown in his cornfield domain.

For those who manage to make it out alive, the reward is sweet: access to the Shudder and AMC+ Survivors’ Party. Expect horror-themed photo ops, creepy (but delicious) custom food and beverages, exclusive giveaways, and plenty of moments to scream, laugh, and celebrate your escape.

Thursday, July 24 to Saturday, July 26 on the Hilton Gaslamp Grass Lawn.

HULU’S KING OF THE HILL – HANK HILL’S BACKYARD

Fans will get the chance to step into Hank Hill’s Backyard, a full-scale, Texas-inspired experience that captures the charm and humor of Arlen like never before.

Interactive features bring even more fun to the experience. At Alamo Pong, guests can compete in a custom version of beer pong with water served in Alamo-branded aluminum cans. These cold drinks double as fun souvenirs. For those who love to personalize their experience, the Mega Lo Mart Customization Hat Station offers trucker hats with show-themed patches. Letting everyone leave with a unique piece of Arlen flair.

Photo ops are plentiful, with large-scale 2D cutouts of characters and iconic locations from the show. Fans can hop on the family lawn mower in front of the Hill residence for a memorable picture or pose beside Dale’s Dead Bug van. At Rhinestein’s Cowboy Boot Toss, guests toss oversized boots over stakes for exclusive prizes.

Running from July 24 to July 27 located just outside the Convention Center at Fifth Ave. Landing – Lot A1.

PARAMOUNT+’S THE LODGE

Paramount+’s The Lodge offers 50-minute sessions throughout the day. Featuring immersive installations inspired by fan-favorite franchise like Star Trek: Strange New World, Dexter: Resurrection, Landman, NCIS, Mission: Impossible, and Pluto TV. Timed reservations are now available and there will be limited stand-by lines.

Running from Wednesday, July 23, through Sunday, July 27 at Happy Does, 340 5th Ave.

Photo Credit: Paramount+

ADULT SWIM’S PIRATE PURRRTY ON THE GREEN

the event will be a sprawling outdoor activation that celebrates fan-favorite hits and highly anticipated originals. Located just outside the convention chaos, this offbeat oasis offers immersive experiences, and exclusive merch.

Each night, the activation transforms into an all-out bash with interactive games, immersive experiences, and DJ sets spinning under the San Diego stars.

FX’S ALIEN EARTH: THE WRECKAGE

This activation will transport fans to the mysterious crash site of the USCSS Maginot. By day, guests will explore the eerie remnants of this doomed spacecraft and uncover disturbing clues about the alien lifeforms lurking within. By night, the tone shifts dramatically with “The Wreckage: Code Red”. This version will be a darker, more terrifying mission designed for those brave enough to face the unknown after sundown.

Running from July 24 to July 27 located on the Hilton Bayfront Lawn Open to those 18+.

THUNDERBOLTS* TREATZ TRUCK

This mobile Marvel experience is part of the lead-up to the digital debut of Thunderbolts* on July 1, ahead of its 4K UHD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD release on July 29. The truck gives fans a taste—literally—of the chaos and camaraderie to come from the upcoming antihero ensemble film.

Whether you’re cooling off with a treat or grabbing a selfie with some Thunderbolts*-inspired flair, this is one Marvel pit stop fans won’t want to miss.

Running from July 24 to July 27 behind the Omni hotel.

OLD SPICE SUPERMAN-INSPIRED AR CRASH SITE EXPERINCE

Fans can track a mysterious “meteorite” (spoiler: it’s their boldest scent yet) that’s crash-landed at the site. Through augmented reality, visitors will unlock a portal to Krypton and step into the Old Spice capsule. Emerging refreshed and ready to “Smell Like a Hero.” Expect cosmic vibes, cinematic flair, and a splash of citrus and cosmos. The standout notes from the limited-edition Superman grooming collection.

Running from Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27 at Promenade Plaza outside the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel